The advent of the Internet, MySpace, and PayPal has given DIY-ers a direct route to the consumer, and one movement that has benefited from this is videogame metal. While there are numerous groups involved in this endearing form of music, Power Up! Mutations and Mutilations of 8-Bit Hits features only 13 of them, covering Nintendo hallmarks such as Castlevania, Contra, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Metroid, Tetris, and others. Honestly, however, enjoyment seems to rest squarely on nostalgia, which makes this a strictly hit or miss affair.

Again, the appeal of Power Up! lies mainly in the tracks chosen for inclusion, and not necessarily in who plays them. Speaking personally, my favorites are The Fucking Champs’ rendition of “Overworld Theme” and Twelve-Handed Men of Mars’ version of “Main Theme” – both from The Legend of Zelda. The Mega Man 2 covers come in at a close second. Every track is well-done to a certain extent, but I wish Dwell Records would’ve tapped more bands. I can think of many that play this style already (Powerglove, Entertainment System, ARMCANNON), or have a predisposition towards this particular sound (Genghis Tron, Horse the Band). Without a doubt, though, this is definitely a niche release for a select audience.

At any rate, Power Up! is a decent compilation. Still, one must remember that an album like this lives or dies based on the track list. What I’d recommend is finding one or two outfits that stick to what you prefer – based on samples – rather than spending money for an assortment. Powerglove’s Total Pwnage EP is a good investment, but similar to other albums in this vein, the replay value isn’t too high.


01. The Fucking Champs – “Overworld Theme” (The Legend of Zelda)
02. Cripple Camp – “La Dolce Mix” (Ghosts N’ Goblins)
03. Ahleuchatistas – “Bad Dudes”
04. Animal Style – “Music 3” (Tetris)
05. Cinemechanica as CONTRABAND – “The Alien’s Lair” (Contra)
06. Rerun – “Bubble Man” (Mega Man 2)
07. Doug McDiarmid (of Why?) – “Piano Medley” (Marble Madness)
08. Kindergarten Hazing Ritual – “Boss Fight” (River City Ransom)
09. Upsilon Acrux – “Stage 1/Unknown Stage” (Rush ‘N Attack)
10. Christopher Willits – “Metroid a.k.a. The Lovers of Samus Aran” (Metroid)
11. Defensive Mode – “Metal Man” (Mega Man 2)
12. Flossin – “Castlevania a.k.a. Ascelitnava” (Castlevania)
13. Twelve-Handed Men of Mars – “Main Theme” (The Legend of Zelda)